FAQs

Q.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Q.

How long will my appointment take?

A.

Please allow 2 hours for your appointment. Occasionally additional tests may be required which may take longer.

Q.

What to expect when attending the paediatric / adult strabismus clinic?

A.

Please bring your/ your child’s glasses with you to your appointment. You will be seen by one of our Orthoptists who will perform a comprehensive Orthoptic examination which will include assessment of vision, eye alignment, eye movements, and pupil reactions. Pupil dilating drops may be instilled in your/your child’s eyes. These usually take 30 minutes to work, but may take up to 1 hour if you have/your child has dark eyes.

Dr Russell will then see you/your child. Some tests may be repeated as well as a refraction (test for glasses) and detailed eye exam. Dr Russell will discuss the results of the examination with you in detail, and may arrange additional tests if required. Follow-up appointments may be necessary when dilating drops may or may not be required.

You should allow up to 2 hours for the entire consultation.We would greatly appreciate if you would notify the reception as soon as possible, if you are unable to attend your appointment.

Q.

Will my / my childâ€™s vision be affected after dilating drops?

A.

Dilating drops are a necessary part of the eye exam. Your vision will be blurred and you will be more sensitive to sunlight, so sun glasses and/or a wide brimmed hat are advisable on bright days. Drops used in children may last up to 24 hours, however, drops used in adults are shorter acting and usually wear off after 4 - 5 hours. Please do not drive to your appointment if you expect to have your eyes dilated.

Q.

At what age can my child wear glasses?

A.

It is unusual for very young children to need glasses, however, there are a number of glasses frames designed especially for babies and young children if required.

Q.

Can my child grow out of a squint (turned eye)?

A.

If your child has a squinting eye and is more than 6 months old, it is highly unlikely that they will grow out of it. A squint present after this age should therefore be assessed by an ophthalmologist. Large constant squints present before 6 months of age are also abnormal and require urgent assessment.

Q.

Is surgery always be required to fix a squint?

A.

Not always. Some squints can be fully corrected with glasses. Depending on severity, some outward turning squints may not require surgical correction.

Q.

Can a squint (turned eye) be treated in adults?

A.

There a several options for the management of squints in adults, including non-surgical and surgical, even if you have had previous squint surgery.

Q.

Do I need to stop taking anticoagulant medication (blood thinners) before eye surgery?

A.

Not all eye surgery requires cessation of anticoagulant medication. However, it is important to tell your doctor if you are on any anticoagulants so that instructions regarding stopping them prior to surgery can be given if required.

Meet Our Specialists

Dr. Alan Hilton

Paediatric,Ophthalmology & Strabismus

Dr Hilton has worked in private practice since 1970. He has been a visiting Consultant Ophthalmologist at both Princess Alexandra Hospital and Mater...